While looking at possible places to camp in the next couple of weeks, I went to the KOA site. Since I own a red and white T@B, should I take this as a sign?
Red and White, 2017 Max S being towed by a 2014 Honda Ridgeline. Hello Mountains!
Why stay at a KOA when you can camp in your own front yard?
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." Albert Einstein 2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
Some folks feel the same way about Walmart which saved our poorly planned behinds a couple of times-well once. The second "saved" night, parked on a dead end street next to Walmart, and were awakened at 0200 by the most horrendous revving engine noises, followed by head splitting pounding. Discovered they were widening the entry drive to the Walmart parking lot. Had to remove ~ 10 yards of concrete to do so! It wasn't just a jack hammer-I've used one, it was a hydraulic cannon of some sort. Then they had to load the chunks-3loads-and haul them away. This was all ~50 feet from us! I'll bet that never happened at a KOA!
John, Judi, Guinness & OD in PDX T@Bit@t 2015 S Max Outback, ‘18 V6 4Runner
We just got back from a 2 week trip. Because we were visiting popular tourist areas location was very important so we stayed at 3 different KOAs. The Gettysburg/Battlefield KOA was one of the finest campgrounds we've ever stayed at, hands down. We would camp there again anytime. The Hagerstown/Antietam KOA wasn't quite as nice physically but the owner and employees were some of the nicest, most helpful people we've met. The third KOA was conveniently located but the owners should NOT have been in the hospitality business, but a beautiful valley full of Amish farms stretched out from the campground to the horizon.
Don't discount KOAs without checking reviews, especially if you're touring the country.
John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York
I apologize if you took my sarcasm of the picture which looks like people camping in a front yard to mean that KOA camping is not camping. I am a card carrying KOA camper and enjoy my points for free nights. Don't be rude and quick to judge.
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." Albert Einstein 2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
I apologize if you took my sarcasm of the picture which looks like people camping in a front yard to mean that KOA camping is not camping. I am a card carrying KOA camper and enjoy my points for free nights. Don't be rude and quick to judge.
My mistake. It sounded like you were making fun of people who utilize KOAs.
Red and White, 2017 Max S being towed by a 2014 Honda Ridgeline. Hello Mountains!
I'm an opportunist when it comes to camping and many times have "camped by the seat of my pants" if you will in that when traveling long distances alone I normally drive until I find a suitable destination after fatigue sets in and I'm ready to pull over for the night. I've camped in some remote national forest campground areas (that did work and required some additional miles behind the wheel), have spent the night in Walmart parking lots when I could find no suitable campground and parked and camped behind large major hotel complexes to rest and rejuvenate for the next days journey. As a rule I normally don't sleep in rest areas for safety reasons and because they are noisy/busy, but since owning a T@B I do feel more secure in some of these spots and have done so as a last resort.
As most campers have found out when traveling long distances across the US and Canada there is what I call the difficult zones in-between, those areas where there really are no campsites or camping areas (in rural America, etc.) available and at these times you have to do what you have to do in an effort to stay safe and at the same time, get some rest in the best spot available. Some revert to stealth camping and I have done this before as well, but in these hit and miss times I have opted for a Walmart parking lot or stayed at a KOA which I agree, they can be expensive and normally would not be my first pick. And like Photomom, I have stayed in some nice KOA's in my time, they were well maintained and I have placed them in the memory bank for future use if needed. Convenience is definitely there and that's what I look for, along with a hot shower, quiet campground and a place where you and your family feel safe and secure.
I've stayed a few times out at the KOA in West Yellowstone, used it as a base camp of sorts when exploring Yellowstone NP and it worked out great. I drove up from Helena, Montana about 5 years ago, took a rock to my stargazer window in a 5-wide LG trailer and noticed it after reserving a site at the West Yellowstone KOA. The folks there were very generous, hooked me up with their maintenance guy and he helped me clean up the tempered glass that had shattered and was strewn inside the trailer. He also helped me fabricate a temporary window covering using clear plastic fabric and duct tape and this allowed me to continue my trip and make it back to Michigan, even after I'd run through a few storms along the way. And while camped at Devil's Tower NP in their campground I was able to borrow some tools from the maintenance man at the nearby KOA (he handed them to me and drove off), who thought nothing of helping out a complete stranger. That to me says a lot about not only the organization, but people in general and their inner ability to reach out and help others when in need. This is what makes traveling, exploring new roads, creating adventures/memories and taking some risk therein more appealing for me personally. The reward is certainly there for the taking and the new friends and acquaintances you make along the trail also makes it fun and alluring. I'm looking forward to uCamp17 and having some fun and meeting many of you!
Mike - Elmira, Mi / 2019 T@B 400 / 2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ
Here, here @Michigan_Mike! Life in a T@B IS an adventure, no matter where you are. I'm always amazed at how kind, and generous folks are when we travel. Made lots of friends, and enjoyed campfires with total strangers along the way. Can't say I've regretted any of the adventures. I agree KOA's can be a little spendy, but most of them have amenities you won't find at most campgrounds. I've also found that if you stay at one of these KOA's, local folks work there, and can give you insights, and places to go that aren't "listed" in any of the "touristy" information listings. Found some AWESOME waterfalls along the Columbia River gorge that way!
2016 T@B MAX S-aka: WolfT@B TV: 2006 Chevy Avalanche LT Z71 aka: WhiteWolf, or 1972 Chevy Custom10 P/U aka: SnarlingWolf Spokane, Wa. Eric aka: Lone Wolf
We will be traveling thru Nevada in August... KOA may be an oasis in the desert!!!
If you go through Las Vegas, Sam's Town KOA is great spot. You get all the benefits of the casino too. We stay there all the time.
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." Albert Einstein 2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
@Photomom.... Which KOA in the Amish area are you referring to? Hershey Park has 2-3 in that area, and I would prefer to avoid the one that has owners who "should NOT have been in the hospitality business". Thanks!
John & Lori in Northern VA Former owner of 2015 T@B CS Max "Uteki" aka "H@wk T@B" 2012 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 Off-Road "Zame"
@larrygon - this time it is traveling from Santa Rosa, CA to Boise enroute to view the eclipse. There is definitely no-man's land between Reno and Boise!
2016 T@B CS-S silver with white trim and WSU themed Pulled by a silver 2017 Chevy Silverado Leaves on T@bventures from Spokane, WA
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." Albert Einstein 2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
A few weeks
ago, on our leg of the journey between Yellowstone and Mt Rushmore, we stayed
at a KOA in Sheridan, WY. (let me just go on the record here, KOA is never our first choice because they are usually expensive and crowded) However, we found the Sheridan / Big Horn Mountains KOA Journeya great place for an overnight stay. They had
just invested in a new WiFi service, but it wasn't working. The manager asked us
to call the support number and complain about the service. She was told by the service provider that they
didn't think there really was a problem, because not that many people were complaining. We were all to happy to oblige. We always
play putt-putt golf at these ridiculously old pitiful KOA mini golf courses, that were
probably new in the 50s and 60s. Doesn't matter to us how run down it is...
@Sandiegogal and I have a blast knocking balls all over the place.
BTW.....Seeing a T@b in a KOA ad......is very cool indeed.
2017 Tab Basic S Silver on Silver with Sofitel Cushions....upgraded from 2013 LG 5W....Towed by a 2016 Sorento V6 AWD w/5000lb tow capacity. Dave S. married to Jen aka SanDiegoGal We pull a Tab but live in a 2014 Airstream International Signature 27 FBQ...Talk about embracing a trailer lifestyle.
We have enjoyed our KOA stays. They are what you make them. With a good attitude I find that others will tag along with your positive mind set...and if you have non camping relatives they can stay in one of their cabins close by you!
Tow with a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport, 2016 T@B CS-S Max
@Photomom.... Which KOA in the Amish area are you referring to? Hershey Park has 2-3 in that area, and I would prefer to avoid the one that has owners who "should NOT have been in the hospitality business". Thanks!
Check reviews for any campground. As I said, location was excellent and the owner's behavior was a relatively minor annoyance for us. When confronted with a rude person its best to remember that it's about them, not you.
John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York
Comments
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
2016 CS S, 2008 Toyota Tacoma
Somerset, VA
2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
T@Bit@t 2015 S Max Outback, ‘18 V6 4Runner
Don't discount KOAs without checking reviews, especially if you're touring the country.
I am a card carrying KOA camper and enjoy my points for free nights.
Don't be rude and quick to judge.
2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
As most campers have found out when traveling long distances across the US and Canada there is what I call the difficult zones in-between, those areas where there really are no campsites or camping areas (in rural America, etc.) available and at these times you have to do what you have to do in an effort to stay safe and at the same time, get some rest in the best spot available. Some revert to stealth camping and I have done this before as well, but in these hit and miss times I have opted for a Walmart parking lot or stayed at a KOA which I agree, they can be expensive and normally would not be my first pick. And like Photomom, I have stayed in some nice KOA's in my time, they were well maintained and I have placed them in the memory bank for future use if needed. Convenience is definitely there and that's what I look for, along with a hot shower, quiet campground and a place where you and your family feel safe and secure.
I've stayed a few times out at the KOA in West Yellowstone, used it as a base camp of sorts when exploring Yellowstone NP and it worked out great. I drove up from Helena, Montana about 5 years ago, took a rock to my stargazer window in a 5-wide LG trailer and noticed it after reserving a site at the West Yellowstone KOA.
The folks there were very generous, hooked me up with their maintenance guy and he helped me clean up the tempered glass that had shattered and was strewn inside the trailer. He also helped me fabricate a temporary window covering using clear plastic fabric and duct tape and this allowed me to continue my trip and make it back to Michigan, even after I'd run through a few storms along the way. And while camped at Devil's Tower NP in their campground I was able to borrow some tools from the maintenance man at the nearby KOA (he handed them to me and drove off), who thought nothing of helping out a complete stranger. That to me says a lot about not only the organization, but people in general and their inner ability to reach out and help others when in need. This is what makes traveling, exploring new roads, creating adventures/memories and taking some risk therein more appealing for me personally. The reward is certainly there for the taking and the new friends and acquaintances you make along the trail also makes it fun and alluring. I'm looking forward to uCamp17 and having some fun and meeting many of you!
TV: 2006 Chevy Avalanche LT Z71 aka: WhiteWolf, or 1972 Chevy Custom10 P/U aka: SnarlingWolf
Spokane, Wa.
Eric aka: Lone Wolf
Pulled by a silver 2017 Chevy Silverado
Leaves on T@bventures from Spokane, WA
2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
John & Lori in Northern VA
Former owner of 2015 T@B CS Max "Uteki" aka "H@wk T@B"
2012 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 Off-Road "Zame"
Pulled by a silver 2017 Chevy Silverado
Leaves on T@bventures from Spokane, WA
2015 max s outback, TV 2011 RAV4, V6, 4x4, & 2017 Tacoma Off-road 4x4
Soquel, CA
2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
A few weeks ago, on our leg of the journey between Yellowstone and Mt Rushmore, we stayed at a KOA in Sheridan, WY. (let me just go on the record here, KOA is never our first choice because they are usually expensive and crowded) However, we found the Sheridan / Big Horn Mountains KOA Journey a great place for an overnight stay. They had just invested in a new WiFi service, but it wasn't working. The manager asked us to call the support number and complain about the service. She was told by the service provider that they didn't think there really was a problem, because not that many people were complaining. We were all to happy to oblige. We always play putt-putt golf at these ridiculously old pitiful KOA mini golf courses, that were probably new in the 50s and 60s. Doesn't matter to us how run down it is... @Sandiegogal and I have a blast knocking balls all over the place. BTW.....Seeing a T@b in a KOA ad......is very cool indeed.